Ricardo Montalban has passed away...

Hey folks, Harry here... It is thankfully rare that I find myself writing an obituary for a person that I have known personally, but that's the exact position that I find myself in today.
I remember back prior to the filming of SPY KIDS 2: ISLAND OF LOST DREAMS, when Robert Rodriguez called to tell me that he had cast "KHAN" as the Grandfather in his second SPY KIDS film. I screamed "COOL" very loudly and then we began to conspire to dream about the conversations we would have with Montalban.
The first day that I was on set with Montalban we had a 2 hour Lunch together, during which I delighted him by not talking about STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN or FANTASY ISLAND, but rather his films with Esther Williams. He literally lit up at the mention of FIESTA, ON AN ISLAND WITH YOU and NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER. That voice of his filled with joy as he told me about how lovely Esther was, and how proud he was to be in Hollywood working in that classic time. We spoke about the classic studio system and what it was like to be an MGM player opposite not only Esther, but beauties like Lana Turner, Kathryn Grayson, June Allyson, Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Cyd Charisse, Shelly Winters, Claire Trevor, Yvonne De Carlo, Nina Foch and all the others that came and went through the lion's mane. He told me that it was a paradise, but that through it all he had his own beauty, Georgiana Young, the younger half-sister of Loretta Young. He was THE Latin Lover of his time in Hollywood, but more than that... he was and always will be one of the finest gentlemen that I or that anyone has ever had the good fortune of having spent time with.
I had him sign my title card for FIESTA, a one sheet for BATTLEGROUND (a wonderful World War II movie) and my Wrath of Khan 1-sheet, that I also had Shatner sign to me a few years before. We met a few more times over the course of the shoot - he gave me possibly one of my favorite complements that I've ever been honored to receive. When Robert came to join the two of us at that lunch, Ricardo commented to Robert, "Your friend here has a very keen intellect, I see why you like him." Robert howled, and I think my ego has forever been inflated by that moment. But that was Ricardo's way. He made you feel classy and remarkable to just breathe the same air. After the shooting of SPY KIDS 2, I saw Ricardo briefly on the set of the 3rd SPY KIDS film. If you remember, that was being shot in 3D. At this point, Ricardo was in great pain, confined to a wheelchair - but Rodriguez was committed to using digital and filming magic to not only put him back on his feet, but as the perfect specimen that he presented himself as being. Ricardo was fatigued and tired, but every time that Robert called action... even though Ricardo was on this moving platform with a computer controlled camera rig, swinging all about him in a sea of green... He sprung to life... not an inkling of the pain and tired feelings that he had a moment before. He was an inspiration and a marvel to watch.
For many, Ricardo was Khan Noonian Singh, the product of superior genetic engineering. Easily the greatest performance in the history of STAR TREK. If you ever find yourself reading Pauline Kael's thoughts upon that performance, you'll smile. Ricardo truly knocked it out of the park. Still for others, he was the hospitable Mr Roarke from FANTASY ISLANDS - and still for others he was the voice that made us all want Corinthian Leather.
For me, Ricardo Montalban was one of the most gracious and wonderful people that I have ever had the luxury, the honor and even the prestige to know. He was, is and will be known as a remarkable man.

Even the many people who hated Spy Kids 3D have to admit that he was great in it.<br>
And while I really like Kahn and Mr. Roarke, my favourite role of his is Senor Senior Sr. in "Kim Possible". It was "just" a voice acting job, but damn, he made me constantly laugh in it. :'(

The voice, the eyes, and the power of one of the greatest sci-fi villains ever. Because he really wasn't a villain. He made Khan the tragic anti-hero, but a badass nonetheless.
But not just Khan. He brought class to everything he was in. Fantasy Island had a touch of class and legitimacy because of his performance.
This is a sad, sad day for film and TV lovers, but for us geeks even more so.

"Your friend here has a very keen intellect, I see why you like him."<p>I can just hear that spoken in that mellifluous voice and accent he had. He and McGoohan passing in the same day is a sad day indeed.

He was one of the silver screen's greatest villains. On another note -- even Harry's obituaries are filled with self-pomposity. It's so difficult getting through your writings, Harry. They're long-winded and ALWAYS refer back to yourself. Talk about Ricardo's great work and talent... not how YOU were connected to him. It's nothing like Shatner or Nicholas Meyer revealing an amusing personal story about him. You are a blogger who is in the furthest orbit of celebrity. We want movie news, not Harry Knowles news.

I remember seeing Wrath of Khan in the theater when it came out. He really brought it to Kirk and Co. Arguably one of the GREATEST movie villains in the history of cinema, up there with Vader. Oh yeah and like all the other talkbackers, this is a mark of respect: KHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNN!!!!

Excellent write up Harry on Mr. Montelban!
Even though I am not old enough to know about a lot of his older Movies? I too grew up in the Generation that knew of him in such roles as "Armando" from the Planet of The Apes Movie, the very cool, dapper and mysterious Mr Rouke from Fantasy Island (Hell, besides all of the THEN Hollywood Hotties that gest starred each week on the show? I wanted to be cool like Mr. Rouke as a kid!) and the way he "shilled" and got a lot of our Parents to purchase a car with "Rich Corinthian Leather" was too cool as well! He had SUCH a quality Voice that was so cool to listen too!
And of course! As any TRUE Sci-Fi/Star Trek Fan out there goes...WE will always remember him as that Evil Bastard of Genetic Superhero Engineering and Renegade from the Eugenics Wars as Khan Noonien Singh! From TV Show and of course Star Trek: The Wraith of Khan! (Man!! I SO use to LOVE quoting lines from that Movie as a kid and annoying & crack up my co-workers/fellow Air Force enlistees and officers I worked with by randomly quoting that Movie!!)
A True gentleman and hollywood actor & icon has passed
Rest in Peace Mr. Montelban, you will be missed!!

to say the least. Khan invades the usual research station, but the guards are terrific shots, and even the women scientists nearly kill him. Of course, he's only a teenage in the book I read, but they could definitely bring him back into the Star Trek universe. And really, someone like Khan is destined to show up sometime in the middle of this century. A great character from TOS.

His performance as Khan kept me entertained for a whole summer when I got Star Trek II on VHS. I used to run around the house quoting all his dialogue. "Now tell me...why are you here? And tell me where I may find...James Kirk..." Classic.

sitting in a chrysler with corinthian leather seats, eating tostitos, while all those women he listed in their prime line up into a circle around the car and take turns on him. and it's all on an island...in space...and shatner is the size of herve villachez standing off to the side pointing and screaming KHHHHHAAAAAANNNNN for eternity.

Damn, what a loss. He was one of those rare guys who exuded a seemingly impossible combination of unassailable cool and humility. He could be very funny and very menacing, but always enormously charming. If you haven't seen them yet, check out his bits in the special features on the Wrath of Khan disc -- great stuff.
<p>
Where's the Genesis Effect when you really need it? Rest in peace, Senor Montalban.

I think he was the first actor that I ever was a fan of. I watched 'Fantasy Island' as a kid and of course saw him in 'Star Trek', although I couldn't believe back then that this was really Mr. Roarke. I was always happy when I saw or heard him, doesn't matter if it was an old pirate movie (can't remember its name, sorry.) or a guest role in 'Murder, She Wrote'. And I loved when he began to do voice work during the 90's. He was so funny as Gutierrez in 'Freakazoid'! And of course, like I already mentioned, in 'Kim Possible', where he played an old billionaire who wanted to be a supervillain, just because he had nothing better to do with his money. Some of the dialogue between him and his son (Nestor Carbonell) make me crack up every time.<br>
Oh fuck, now I try again to bring up Kim Possible on AICN. Dammit. But the point is: He was a damn underrated actor. He always did a great job and from what I've heard he was a great guy in real life too.<br>
R.I.P.<br>

Even outshined Columbo in the episode where he plays a villainous bull fighter. Watched Spy Kids 3D on xmas day (great fun novelty film to watch with everyone donning 3D glasses!) and he just oozed class yet again and I had no idea he was suffering and wheel chair bound for real until Harry mentioned it above. RIP Ricardo.

"Apparently, Montalban’s chest was Montalban’s chest. The prominent and malevolent man-bosom was, according to director Nicholas Meyer, the result of regular exercise."<P>damn i will watch it again but i swear it looked so...KEN-DOLL like!

I've spent too much time on the internet today, and it seems like every time I log on another hero of mine has passed away. I found out a friend from high school died last night. Ron Asheton of Iggy & the Stooges died earlier this week. Then Patrick McGoohan today. Now this. The older I get, the more death I witness.

This day sucks! Battleground is a very under appreciated movie. It was one of the first that didn't have to go through the war department for approval. He was great in it. RIP Mr. Montalban you were one of the greats!

...that I got no idea if he really liked to be Khan. I remember him saying in interviews that he never wanted to play him again, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he hated him like Alec Guiness hated Obi-Wan.

The answer is and always will be Ricardo Montalban.<P>This is sad news. I always liked Ricardo Montalban, he just seemed like such a class act and I always felt he was underused as an actor. Without a doubt, his portrayal of Khan goes down as one of the greatest movie villains of all time. He had great comedic range as well. It's a bummer to learn of his passing.<P>"Ah, Kirk, my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is very cold in space!"<P>RIP Senor Montalban.

He was much more than Khan, but those two performances he gave will always be magical to me. That quivering lip as he goes into an apoplectic rage over Kirk's "I'm laughing at the superior intellect." shot is just classic. May he rest in peace.

Many a whippersnapper will only know him from Khan or Spy Kids or even worse his Fantasy Island stuff, but he was one handsome smooth suave Latin motherfucker. I loved those films, and will be watching 3 or 4 of them over the weekend while pouring out a little liquor. One of those performers who will actually be missed.

Never been into Trek. But loved his performance in Naked Gun. Now I'll have to check out Khan. But do I have to see the first movie? Or can I just jump right ahead? (I'm not totally clueless about the characters, by the way . Spocks Vulcan, no emotion,Scotties engineer or something, etc...)

Harry and came straight here. What a damn shame. I grew up watching Ricardo on Fantasy Island. And was amazed at the transformation between Mr. Rourke and Khan. They were my formative years, and the man transfixed me as an actor. I'm bummed. I had the slightest of slight hopes he would appear in any Star Trek sequels. Sigh :( Now, that will never be...

An elegant guy. I will always love how he slaps Chekov around by putting the critters in his ears. A great bad guy, very smooth, calculating. He was a great baddie on "Wild Wild West" & "Mission Impossible."
He was offered to play Khan again on the Next Generation. A script was writen, it explained how Khan came back to life due to all the Genesis stuff and how Picard was going to fight him, the ep ended with Khan being a computer simulation created by Data as the ultimate training program.
All was set to roll when Ricardo said he did not want to play Khan ever again. Damn.

His pecs in Trek II were real, that VH1 episode is full of shit! The Director Nic Meyer confirms it and I recall watching something on tv as a kid that made a big deal out of it because at the time, RM was in his 60's. HIS PECS WERE REAL! Damn right!

Dude had the most awesome name pimp ever, it's just fun to say. How could any woman resist "Hello, my name is Ricardo Montalban..." Done deal<br><br>Seriously though, great actor. Lotof Trek deats latey, Shatner better watchhis ass!

I could tell from his appearances on talk shows that he was a truly gentle and kind person which is what is the greatest loss. His presence and voice were mesmerising. That he left behind some memorable characters in his acting roles is secondary. R.I.P.

Yes. It would have been great to see Ricardo Montalbán in the new Trek film, having succeeded in building and ruling a mirror universe empire and somehow making his way into our universe to fight Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise.

...I KID Harry - never mind a five-year old knows the rules of grammar better than you. The clips above are a great tribute, as is this Moby Dick quote from Wrath of Khan: "To the last, I will grapple with thee... from Hell's heart, I stab at thee! For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee..."

Truly a gentleman, a kind of person that Hollywood does not have anymore. A great loss, almost as big as Harry's ego. Almost. Because he managed to turn this obituary into a self indulgent ego I Me Mine trip, once again. Well, don't worry Harry, keep your current weight and you'll meet mr Moltalban once again very, VERY soon. Or maybe not, Khan went to heaven.

I love to read between the lines of Nicholas Meyer's Khan commentary, that basically Shatner was a star but Montalban was an actor, and Meyer directed Montalban but more or less wrangled Shatner. I hope there is the softest Corinthian leather in heaven.

... was the script of Space Seed and the performance of Mr. Montalban. I believe a piece of news such as this should only aspire us to seek more vehement transcendence over the weak and passive web of lies that has held us back, so that we may all become a group of... exceptional men. ********* "But you... I never forget a face."

I had to say it. Damn, I dunno, I guess I'm beginning to feel my age a bit when we lose TV and movie icon actors like this. Majel a few weeks ago, and now Ricardo. You will be missed Ricardo Montalban. God Bless.

When I think back to my childhood, particularly my viewing habits, I can't help but recall the two hour block on Saturday night that was "Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island." This was when 10 o'clock was a really late night. After the bikinis things would get more philosophical, perhaps with a time travel or macabre storyline. Remeber Roddy McDowell as the ANTI-Mr.Rourke? Montalban was on tv for less than ten minutes, but it was his performance that resonated the most. Absolutely stupid tripe, but this guy made it a success. His was a career filled with excellence.

I just saw his "Biography" the other day (they were doing a whole day of
"Star Trek" shows), and I thought to myself that they need more classy people like Ricardo Montalban in Hollywood. I even thought I would write him a note and tell him how much I appreciated both his work and his advocacy for the Latin American community in the entertainment industry. He dispatched the Frito Bandito, but he couldn't defeat death. I know he lives on.

"Kirk...you're steel aliiive my old friend."
"STILL! OLD FRIEND! You know it seems you've managed to kill about everyone else but like a bad marksmen you ...KEEP...MISSING...the TARGET."
Khan motions to beam up the Genesis Device.
"Khan you have Genesis but you dont have me. If you want to kill me you're going to have to come down here do you hear me? You're going to HAVE to come down HERE."
"Oh no Admiral...I've done far worse than keel you. I've HURT you. And I wish to go on...HURTing you. I will leave you as you left my wife. Buried aliiiiive....buried aliiiiiiiive."
"KHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!!"

"He tasks me and I shall have him! I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom and 'round Perdition's flames before I give him up!" Rest in peace KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!

In STAR TREK II when Kirk and Spock confer over Khan, saying "He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two-dimensional thinking." Watching that scene, I was so involved in hearing what our heroes had to say about him, it is like watching people talk about Hitler or Stalin- you want to know more about those people because they are so charismatic and dangerous. Montalban made that character transcend an already excellent script.

was on of my favorite fighting scenes as a kid. Long before Baderas Langella owned the character, and Montalban was a worhty opponent. It was a perfect scene. First, and Lucas must have stolen this, he and Zorro discarded their outer garments and jackets leaving only their inner shirts. There's two candles on the desk. Montalban, who earlier in the movie had bragged about the quality of the sword, sliced through one candle. Next, Langella does the same. Nothing happens. Montalban says "You missed." A gentle tap, and the candle falls. Ah, memories.......

What a terrible day. STII was my first experience with Star Trek. It is still far and away my favorite out of anything in the Star Trek universe. Also growing up in the 80's I couldn't wait for Love Boat to get over with on Saturday night on ABC so I could watch some Fantasy Island. I'm losing a bit of my youth everyday reading all these obits. Truly a bummer day. :(

He was great in eveything he did...just one of those actors who's regular manner was engaging. <P> Nice write up Harry - I liked the videos...but you forgot The Naked Gun- he was awesome in that movie.

...was from the 1970's made for TV version of The Mark of Zorro. That scene with the sword slicing the candles was lifted directly from two movies: the Mark of Zorro with Tyrone Power and the spaghetti western Zorro with Alain Delon (you remember, the one with the theme song, "La-la-la-la-la-la-la-Zorro's-back").

You sent my imagination flying on Saturdays from 10-11pm for a couple years in the late 70s. Suave, debonair, with a streak of sinister that you worked so well as the brilliant Khan.<p>
This time, de plane comes for YOU, you wonderful entertaining fellow you. JJ Abrams better at least mention you in the credits.

Not really sure if you've lost anyone you've known, but when talking about someone you've known that has passed, you talk about a story regarding you and them. It's how you SHARE THEIR MEMORY, through your experiences with them. It isn't about me, it's my experiences with him. If you're looking for a clean and spiffy impersonal OBIT - I suggest going to YAHOO or the AP. Here we eulogize - talk about how these actors, writers, directors and talented folks affected us... either by their work or sometimes, in person. It's kind of an Irish thing.

I just forced my sister to sit down and watch Wrath of Khan. She fought me, kicking and screaming as most women do, then towards the end, she was glued to it. She starts asking "Khan died in the blast, right?" and "How does Spock survive?" and "What happens to Genesis?" She's a Christopher Lloyd fan, so Search For Spock is next on the list, but Ricardo opened my kid sister to the nerd world of Star Trek. He was the villain of villains in that film. I'll miss him.

Married 63 years (his wife died in November of 2007). Said that his faith was the most important thing in his life, and he was named a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by the Vatican in 1998. A true role model receiving his eternal reward. God bless him.

My favorite roles that he played were in the Planet of the Apes movies, and in Star Trek 2 The Wrath of Khan. He stole the entire movie for me, and what a brilliant actor he was. I've never seen many of his earlier movies, but will be going to IMDB to set up a queue for Netflix. He always had such class, and always seemed so down to Earth. The world has lost a fine gentleman and one of the last remaining legends of Howllywood royalty.

Montalban distilled the essence of being in Hollywood a few years ago, and in his memory, ponder on this it for a while: The nature of the business runs like this: "Who is Ricardo Montalban? Get me Ricardo Montalban! Get me a Ricardo Montalban type! Get me a young Ricardo Montalban! Who is Ricardo Montalban?" Words from a man who went through it all. With many we have mentioned his name to today drawing blank looks, the last part might have come to pass. A sad loss, for sure.

I'm sure that most of you probably know about the Archive of American Television interviews on YouTube. There is a very informative one with Mr. Montalban. Be sure to watch all five segments. This man was a fine person, a great actor and he was fearless in many ways. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b1xi414MLI

Considering the crap ya got for the Betty Page obit, this was a pretty clean talkback Harry - this was a good obit BTW, thanks - and Rattleman is a joik. <p>Still want an update on yer health, diabetes, weight loss, etc

and Wrath of Khan on Sunday and I was once again amazed at Ricardo Montalban's fantastic performance. The man absolutely nailed Khan, he's the villain virtually every Star Trek film since has tried to recreate/beat but no-one has ever even come slightly close.<br><br>
RIP Mr Montalban!

Fairfax High.<BR><BR>He was a nice man, I suppose? I grew-up in the industry, and never heard a bad word about him, not one. You usually hear something bad about somebody, but not him? I wish you a peaceful journey Mr. Montalban. Now you will know the true Fantasy Island, a fantasy come true for you, its name is Heaven. God Bless you.

Down nearly 100lbs from the start. Started in 7xl shirts, now I'm fitting in 3xl shirts. My diabetes has seemingly gone away, with my tests showing up in the upper degree of Normal Blood Sugar levels - even the day after my wife's birthday cake. Feeling great, and 2nd week of February - we begin hitting the gym a regular 5 days a week, to work on getting me out of this chair.

Just my opinion. Glad your doing so well Harry. You never know, keep up this level of effort and Dancing With The Stars (whatever the US version of strictly come dancing is called) might be an option... ok maybe not but that would be a hell of a goal to achieve. Keep it up big (but getting smaller) guy.

Greatest Star Trek villian...ever...one of the greatest villians in movie history ever. Anyone know if one can purchase Start Trek 2: Wrath of Khan together with Space Seed on a double disc or something?

Anyone remember that episode where he travels through time to win the civil war again, and is in a wheelchair with useless legs until he actually goes thru time ? Harry's story makes me think of that. What a sad passing.

I forget the guy's name--not even sure if they mention his name in the movie. But yeah, it's plausible he could have been Khan's son, even if that relationship wasn't verbally established either. He never calls him son, and the crewman never refers to him as father. Then again, you'd think Khan's son would know why Khan hated Kirk, and would therefore never suggest, "Look--you have your freedom, you have a ship, let's just get out of here."

It made me feel even sadder than I already was. I am not familiar with his older stuff but I have always believed that he never got the credit that he deserved. I just loved watching him act. In a way, he reminded me of Frank Sinatra and Willie Nelson, in the way that he used the cadence of his voice to carry a moment. I am really going to miss him.

Got to know Mantolban through the Spy Kids movies as well as Kim Possible, where he provided the vocals for the villian "Senor Senior Senior"...<p>
My son, who is now a budding Star Trek fan, was jazzed when he saw Trek II and recognized Khan, but couldn't believe he was playing such a bad guy after seeing him as a "dear ol' grand dad" in the SK movies.<P>
RIP, Senor.. Via con Dios!

From the day he took his white suit off
And left the midget far behind
He started taking steroids
Froze himself in time
Now he’s slept the sleep of centuries
A superman from the past
From hell's heart he will stab at thee
And get eugenic on your ass
My friend, go
Well, he’ll put things in your body
And lay your mind to waste
Quote a line from Milton
And never forget your face
Cause he’s a villain cruel as Vader
And as Merciless as Ming
He’s as pissed off as a predator
It’s Khan Noonien Singh
My friend, go
Phaser fests, prosthetic chests, it’s all I want to see
Some may say it’s fake
But it looks real enough to me
Montalban (Ricardo) Montalban (Ricardo)
Wrath of Kahn (Me llamo) Montalban
Well, it began in episode 24
On a ship called Botany Bay
And they marooned him on Seti Alpha 5
But we knew he’d be back someday
Cause he’s too big for television
They knew it even then
So they put him in the movie Star Trek 2
And they should have brought him back for Star Trek 10
Go
Starship fights, parasites, it’s all I want to see
You may call him Mr. Roarke
But he’s always Kahn to me
Montalban (Ricardo) Montalban (Ricardo)
Wrath of Kahn (Me llamo) Montalban

There is noe justice in a universe that kills Patrick McGoohan and Ricardo Montalban within a day of each other, and yet allows the shrivelled, withering husk of Steve Jobs to walk the earth.<br><br>Senor Montalban, vaya con Dios ... y muchas, muchas gracias. Eso es todo.

and when they mentioned Montalban's death, their under 30 year old producer had no idea who they were talking about. And I realized, there is an entire generation or two that have no idea who the man was, and thats almost as sad as his passing.

Very good call, with "Escape from Planet of the Apes." I'd almost forgotten! That one, and "Conquest of..." Montalban was very good as Milo-Caesar's surrogate father, and I was very upset when he got killed in "Conquest"

The true loss is that Mr. Montalban was certainly among the best of us as a species. If he spoke of you, he was complimentary. If he spoke to you, he was gracious and polite.<p>
I met him briefly when he was out of film and confined to voice over cameos. Our interchange amounted to me getting luggage and carrying it to a waiting car. He was already inside it and walked to the passenger window and held out my hand. He fumbled a bit and asked the driver if he had any cash. I leaned down and said, "I dont want money." He pivoted a bit to look up, smiled, and awkwardly reached an over the shoulder arm out the door and shook my hand. His grip was loose and enveloped me whole hand over the top - the kind of handshake you'd imagine the Pope would give.<p> Oh sure its a stupid handshake big deal. well, I guess so - but he could easily had just pulled a Howie Mandel and waved at me, or an Alec Guiness and told me to go to hell - but he was gracious, and made out of pure class. This gets said way too often around these kinds of talkbacks, but it has never ever been quite so true as it is in this one: we will indeed never have another like him again. He was truly one of a kind.

I am wearing a long, dirty-blonde wig, a shredded tunic, and one hockey glove in homage to Khan. In a conference meeting I told my boss "From hell's heart I stab at thee" and shook my hockey-gloved fist at him.

We will always remember Ricardo Montalban for his most memorable performance. The Sheik King in Cannonball Run II. "To emblazon the Filafel name as the fastest in the world by winning the Cannonball Run...and you...fffailed!" (smacks slave) SLAVE: A thousand thanks. AND OF COURSE the best line by him. "Nooo excuses you son of my ugliest wife!"

I was watching Conquest of the Planet of the Apes Blu-Ray, last weekend in which he portrayed ceaser's circus trainer and friend.
great performance, Ric was a class act and will always be remembered as one of the badest villians in cinema. RIP

It's always shaved and oiled anyway, and opened at the collar. But I added a scar to it. I've been walking up the hallway telling my employees that I'm going to leave them with a fate worse than death--I'm going to strand them forever, just as they stranded me.

...an episode of Fantasy Island on the German SciFi Channel. :)<br>
It's strange, but I've never been so sad about the death of an actor who I have never met before. I thought he will be around forever. <br>
(At least Peter Falk is still alive.)

with the device and get some Spock on my Jock, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. I already called the missus and told her to get ready for some mind-blowing PonFar, because tonight the needs of the horny will outweigh the needs of the few<p>
P.S. apologies to Ricardo--I'll try to be more respectful here now

If I remember correctly, I think at the time of banishment, Ceti Alpha 5 could sustain life and even become a veritable eden, if Khan and his people farmed and irrigated appropriately. It only became a desolate wasteland after neighboring Ceti Alpha 6 blew up, which caused Alpha 5 to shift orbit and its climac got screwy.<p>
Damn I felt geeky saying that.

I'll disable them by remote. Then, like Kirk, after going Warp 7 I shall give the triumpant order to FIRE my photon and make a mess of her bridge, if you know what I'm saying, and I think you do. But first, I will insist that she manipulate my Tricorder

SPOCK: (Arrives on scene, shocked to find Acadian both bleeding to death and choking on the sidewalk, addresses Sir Alec) It is not logical to choke this person.<p>
SIR ALEC: Spock! My old friend! heh heh...you have failed me for the last time, Vulcan! (releases Acadian to apply Jedi choke on Spock)
SPOCK: Ack ack...<p>
PETER CUSHING: (to ALEC) Yes! Impressive! Most impressive. (to Spock, choking) You are very logical, my pointy-eared friend, but you are not a Jedi yet! Muahahaha...<p>
ACADIAN: (still bleeding, but regains his footing, removes diecast model of Starship Reliant from his souvenir duffle bag and slams it against Alec's shin)<p>
SIR ALEC: (releases choke on Spock) Awwgghh! <p>
PETER CUSHING: No!<p>
SPOCK: (regains breath, applies Vulan mind-meld fingers to Alec, who is stunned by the shin-blow) I will have your thoughts...<p>
PETER CUSHING: No! Enough of your sorcerer's ways, Vulcan!<p>
EXT: Street--A Dodge Aspen with a safari-print top rolls to the curb. It is clear the vehicle upholstery is of a rich, corinthian leater. A tall, debonair man emerges, followed by a "little person." Both are dressed in pressed white suits and black ties.<p>
MR. ROURKE: (surveying the violence) And what is this? Smiles! Smiles, everyone! Welcome to Fantasy Island!<p>
PETER CUSHING: Just what we need...another magician<p>
ACADIAN: Ricardo!<p>
TATTOO: (serves umbrella drinks to everyone)<p>
SPOCK: (raises his pina colada) A toast! Live long, and prosper.<p>
ACADIAN: (finally expires from blood loss on the pavement)<p>
SPOCK: (observing the corpse) Everyone ELSE, live long and prosper

MR. ROURKE (to Spock, Peter, and Sir Alec): There is no reason we cannot be civilized. Come, let us enjoy our differences rather than fight over them.<p>
HULA GIRLs in grass skirts appear and put flower leis on the men<p>
SPOCK, oberving the bustline of his particular Hula Girl: I believe I have a Tricorder in my pocket...this is highly illogical. I am clearly not ready for Kolinahr.<p>
SIR ALEC: Pon-Far is more like it, Vulcan douche...<p>
PETER CUSHING, regaining his sense of evil purpose: You shall now witness the power of this fully operational jedi thespian...Alec, I hereby promote you to Admiral, Sir Alec! Now, kill him!<p>
SIR ALEC: Yes, my master (reapplies Jedi choke on Spock)<p>
MR. ROURKE: Admiral? Admiral...<p>
TATTOO-spills drink tray<p>
SPOCK--choking, the Vulcan collapses to one knee but manages to crawl across the sidewalk to window of corner cafe, where inside, he sees William Shatner enjoying a cappucino with Ben Folds: Jim...Jim...you are my captain....and my friend...(applies Vulcan v-hand to the glass)<p>
PETER: Muahhahaha! The Vulcan is finished!<p>
SIR ALEC: Does this mean I am a Jedi Knight Admiral?<p>
MR. ROURKE (spots Bill Shatner in the cafe window and gets an evil look on his face) Admiral! Admiral...<p>
HULA GIRLS huddle around the dying spock, who is collapsed at the cafe window. They pick his pocket, taking his wallet and watch. One of them gropes at the Vulcan's crotch: I have his Tricorder!

seriously.I'm actually lost for words.That was awful.
Wrath of Khan was pivotalin my geek-life.I adored it.I am aware of Ricardo's cinematic history.Sir,I bow to you.You are and shall ever be my favourite villain.God bless and thankyou for you time,sir.

Glad to hear about the fantastic strides you've made. I have my own issues with my weight with having 34% body fat and I know the difficulties of having to make a lifestyle change and making it stick. I hope to see a cool before/after avatar someday and hear about your wheelchair gathering dust or being raffled off for charity, etc :-D<p>And yes I'm mortified that I mis-spelled Bettie considering all the issues of The Bettie Pages I used to own.

Yes, I'm the biggest Ricardo Montalban fan in the world. I used to work on a talk show and had the honor to produce an interview with him. It was one of the highlights of my career. He was great. We asked him if his chest in ST2 was real -- he laughed and said it was his most asked question. By the way he answered said "yes, it was."

Who else could sell a brew like that? Love this tribute on the Kansas Pitch: "By the end of the commercial you feel like a dolt for having ever considered any coffee besides Maxwell House."
http://blogs.pitch.com/fatcity/2009/01/goodbye_to_ricardo_montalban.php